More and more foreign tourists are visiting China to enjoy the country's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture they have seen in Chinese films, as part of the "China Travel with Chinese Films" initiative.
The initiative, launched by the China Film Administration and China Media Group, aims to capitalize on the popularity of the recent Chinese blockbusters and draw more foreign tourists to the country.
In Guangzhou City of south China's Guangdong Province, foreign students studying at local universities who are fond of the Cantonese opera film "The Legend of The White Snake" put on makeup and practiced basic Cantonese opera singing and movements under the guidance of professional instructors.
"I just feel like the principal role in a movie. It's so amazing, like I feel like the people are going to go and sing there. It's like getting to know the culture in the firsthand. When you come and you get dressed like this, and you get the makeup -- this is the best way to know a culture, and I feel so excited," said Fatima, a student from El Salvador.
As many foreign tourists are initially introduced to China through films featuring Chinese calligraphy and Kung Fu, they look forward to experiencing more of these elements during their visit.
Therefore, many travelers select Beijing as their destination to immerse themselves in the Chinese culture they've seen on screen.
"Chinese movies are very popular. Wherever I go, I write their names in their local script. I love culture, I love local culture. And it looks beautiful, the calligraphy," said Sri Chandra, an Indian tourist visiting Beijing.
"Because it (the Great Wall) is beautiful in the films, you know, the temples. And we wanted to see that with our eyes," said Matilda, a tourist from France.
"It's a great experience. I love Beijing," said Maeve, another French tourist.
Beijing welcomed 91,000 inbound tourists during this year's Spring Festival holiday, a year-on-year increase of 51.9 percent, according to data from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
To offer better and tailored service for travelers from various countries, many travel agencies in the city have launched special tours focused on experiencing Chinese intangible cultural heritage.
"We have arranged for tourists to engage in painting Peking Opera masks, practicing tea art and exploring intangible cultural heritage in hutongs (narrow alleys commonly found in northern Chinese cities). Our goal is to add in-depth cultural experience in their journey," said Ren Zhenqiang, head of a travel agency in Beijing.
Foreign tourists drawn to China for unique cultural experiences seen in films
Foreign tourists drawn to China for unique cultural experiences seen in films
